Frederick Sperry :bio:

Frederick Paul Sperry is a Chicago native who studied at the Art Institute of Chicago from 1959 to 1971. Sperry concentrated his coursework on etching, sculpturing, painting, and art education. In 1961, his submission of drawings to the McCormick Place Exhibition was awarded a cash prize. Sperry’s work has also been featured in shows at the Dryer Gallery in Houston, Texas in 1966. Subsequent showings of his work were featured at the prestigious Chicago and Vicinity Exhibit in 1968, 1969, and 1971. At the 1968 show, his series of conceptual etchings were also awarded a cash prize. The Amata Corporation has purchased several of Sperry’s paintings to add to the décor of their corporate offices. Sperry’s work has been on exhibit in several annual shows at the Hyde Park Art Center, of which he is a member. His work has also been featured at the 4Art Inc. Gallery, Verva Creations, the Open Gallery, and the Pilsen East Guild.

After earning his Bachelor’s Degree and working one year toward earning his Master’s Degree from the Art Institute of Chicago, Sperry became employed by Foster and Kliser, a national billboard company. It was in his work at Foster and Kliser that he learned to paint on the largest scale available. After working there, Sperry became self-employed, allowing him the freedom to create his own billboards, wall work, and advertisements. Canfield’s Soda Company was one of his clients in the 1970s. Due to his desire to expand and perfect his repertoire, Sperry learned and has since mastered, faux finishing, mural creation, and Trompe L’Oeil.

In 1980, he had the opportunity to partner with another Art Institute graduate. Together they built and opened the Pilsen East Guild, a restaurant/antique art shop, in a turn-of-the-century building located on 18^th and Halsted Street in the Pilsen neighborhood. It was at this location that artists in the community began being able to display and sell their works. Furthermore, the business eventually blossomed into a building and design business. Some of Sperry’s clients have been Ruth Darslog, daughter of art collector Robert Meyers; Fitzgerald’s in Berwyn; Harley Davidson in Berwyn; House of Lewis, a clothing store created in the 1970s; Joe Cacciatore, a real estate broker; several stores at Old Chicago in Bolingbrook; Amata, a business space rental company; and numerous other establishments throughout Chicago and the Chicagoland area. Sperry’s most recent and satisfying project has been restoring authentic African sculpture and painting works, which have been acquired by an African art collector who is now a regular client of his.

In addition, during the past twelve years, Sperry has been intensively studying and practicing spiritual disciplines.

Sperry thanks you very much for your valued time and consideration in viewing his work.